Congo Looks to Insect Farming in Fight against Hunger
Experts hope that the love of edible insects in Democratic Republic of Congo may hold the key to tackling widespread hunger among its roughly 65 million people by scaling up a millennia-old consumption habit. Edible insects, which are just starting to win acceptance in the West, have long been one of Congo's most popular dishes.
 
Genetically Modified Diamondback Moth Offers Pest Control Hope
Scientists in Britain say they have developed a way of genetically modifying and controlling an invasive species of moth that causes serious pest damage to cabbages, kale, canola and other similar crops worldwide. In what they said could be a pesticide-free and environmentally-friendly way to control insect pests, the scientists developed diamondback moths with a "self-limiting gene" which dramatically reduced populations in greenhouse trials.
 
How 3-D-Printed Food Could Change the Kitchen
The last great technological breakthrough in food was arguably the microwave, a product which has grown in use from only 1% of homes in 1971, to over 90% today. The analogy of 3-D printing to the microwave in food production is very close. Developed in the 1980s, 3-D printing, or additive manufacturing, is following the same downward trajectory in pricing and unit size as the microwave. The process creates objects through the placement of materials, layer upon layer, until an object is fully formed.
 
How the Tools of Venture Capital Are Revolutionizing Food
A growing group of investors is taking the venture capital tools that have worked in tech and is applying them to the real-food industry. Like tech accelerators, these food incubators provide direct investment and mentoring as well as advice on business plans and marketing. But they are also tailored to meet the unique challenges of the food industry including manufacturing, distribution, and regulation.